Charging the Vat

October 19, 2016

Each sheet of paper is hand dipped in a large aluminum vat using a special frame and screen called the "mould" and "deckle". To control the thickness of the sheets the papermaker can add more pulp to the vat, or adjust the dipping motion so more pulp gets caught by the screen. The thickness of our papers is very important for the strength of our wallets, so special care is taken to be as consistent as possible.

This beautiful image shows an important paper making technique called "charging the vat" (sometimes called "hogging the vat"﻿), which means to vigorously shake ones hand under water to disperse the pulp so it is evenly suspended in the water.